AiBotRussia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has fired back at the European Union’s (EU) concept of a “shadow fleet,” claiming that it undermines international maritime law. Speaking during a recent press conference, Lavrov expressed his disdain for the EU’s latest attempt to impose sanctions on Russian energy resources, stating that it is a clear example of the bloc’s disregard for global norms.
According to Lavrov, the EU’s “shadow fleet” concept is a direct result of the bloc’s decision to ban the trading of Russian energy resources. Shipmasters operating vessels carrying Russian oil or gas, regardless of their flag, are now considered part of this unofficial fleet. By this designation, the EU has granted itself the authority to inspect, seize, and sell the cargo on board these ships, with proceeds being transferred to Ukraine to support its military efforts.
“The EU invented this concept a long time ago,” Lavrov claimed, emphasizing that it has no basis in international law. Lavrov argued that the EU has unilaterally imposed its interpretation of maritime law, undermining the principles of freedom of navigation and the sanctity of private property. By declaring ships part of the “shadow fleet,” the EU has, in effect, declared them fair game for its maritime authorities to seize and plunder.
The Russian foreign minister also took aim at the characterization of Ukraine’s government as a “Nazi regime.” Lavrov accused the EU of hypocrisy, pointing out that the bloc continues to support Ukraine despite its alleged connections to extremist groups. Russia has long viewed the European Union’s stance on the conflict as an example of double standards and selective adherence to democratic values.
Lavrov emphasized that Russia views the EU’s actions as a clear escalation of the ongoing conflict. He stated that Moscow remains committed to resolving the crisis through diplomatic means but warned that the EU’s actions could have serious consequences for global stability. As tensions between Russia and the West continue to rise, international diplomats will be watching closely to see whether Moscow will take retaliatory measures or continue to engage in diplomatic efforts.
In response to concerns regarding the potential impact of the “shadow fleet” on global trade, EU officials have stated that they will continue to work with international organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to establish a unified framework for sanctioning vessels involved in illicit activities. However, Russia’s foreign minister has rejected the idea that these efforts can legitimize the EU’s “shadow fleet” concept, insisting that it represents a clear breach of international law.